Oklahoma Sooners using STATSports player tracking to improve performance

Oklahoma is one of a growing number of programs using GPS to track and enhance practice performance, aid in recovery and get a fuller picture of what athletes or putting their bodies through as they prepare for competition.

The Sooners use a system by STATSports, an Ireland-based company that serves several other college and professional programs, including Florida State, Kentucky, Purdue, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL and the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards of the NBA.

The primary market to this point, though, has been European soccer clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal. After experimental use on a handful of players last year, the OU strength and conditioning staff is monitoring approximately 50 Sooner players this season.

Most players wear the device — about 3.5 inches tall and 1.5 inches wide — in a pouch that has been ironed on the back of their undershirts.